Guest guest Posted March 4, 2003 Report Share Posted March 4, 2003 > It sounds like everyone here has > spent a lot of time researching surgeons. Has anyone > put the same effort into finding their post-op > therapist? As a BHR double resurfacer (Birmingham Nuffield, 11/99 and 12/00), I always find this topic interesting as there seems to be some disparity between the PT on this side of the pond and the USA. Other than a photocopied sheet of paper with basic exercises post-op, and a couple of additional stretching exercises given on my 2 month check-up. I have not had any PT, nor was it ever suggested I should! Admittedly, both my recoveries were relatively easy with no specific problems, and I know personally some surface hippies for whom PT has been absolutely essential during rehab, but I'd suggest that PT may not automatically be necessary for everybody. After 2 months I was back doing 15 mile mountain hikes, and am now more flexible, stronger and active than for almost 15 years. Could I have benefited from PT during my rehab? Or is there any benefit at this stage?? At a slight tangent, a report issued by a professor of psychology at Columbia University in New York said counselling of the 9/11 victims was an " enormous waste of money " and survivors coped better spending time with colleagues, friends and loved ones and getting back on with their lives. Apparently, 9,000 therapists offered their services to relatives and survivors, 3 for each victim! An article I read recently quoted research by the UK based Cochrane organisation which provides worldwide guidance to doctors and concluded that psychological counselling as a means of preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was at best useless and at worst made people more likely to suffer PTSD!! We live in a therapy culture (been there, read the book, wear the t-shirt) and I am beginning to get suspicious about the wide use of counselling, often by unregulated practitioners, and worry about our own expectations that therapy's a cure for all our neuroses. We've been indoctrinated with too much Ally McBeal! P.S. My ex-wife reminds me that when she lived in the Ukraine, she'd never heard of PMT and now, living in England, she suffers from it! (I'm wearing tin hat, waiting to be shot down!.... Oh well, life's no fun without taking risks!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2003 Report Share Posted March 4, 2003 As a Physical Therapist (Physiotherapist) I couldn't resist not replying to 's comments. Voltaire said that " Time heals the injury while the doctor keeps the patient amused! " I keep that in mind in my work as a PT to ensure that I do more than keeping the patient amused and do more than time alone! The first rule of medicine " primum non nocere " - first, do no harm - is embraced by all physicians and rightly so but this can result in a very conservative approach to post-op care. Yes, ensure no harm, but then do all the good you can. Hugh Chandler, MD a great surgeon, now retired, says in a chapter on post-op rehab in Stillwells text " The Art of Total Hip Arthroplasty " that the appropriate post-op rehabilitation program can turn a good result from the surgery alone into an excellent one. I have learned over the last 15 years working as a PT that every patient and their condition is different and a cookie cutter approach doesn't always work. Alot of people do well after hip replacement or resurfacing with minimal physical therapy, however, I have seen soft tissue contractures, muscle imbalances, continued pain, continued limp, long-standing muscle weakness, difficulty with basic and more advanced function, from people not having the appropriate physical therapy from a skilled clinician who knows about hips. For most hip replacement recipients, Hippocrates advice, the golden mean: " Moderation in all things " is good advice but for hip resurfacers who are typically a younger and more active crowd, " moderation " might not be in the vocabulary which is all the more reason to hook up with a good physical therapist to ensure optimal soft tissue balance. For some people one or two consults might be all that's needed. Others may need more intensive work. But yes, to answer the question do search for a good orthopaedic physical therapist who is good with hips and backs (since the low back is functionally a part of the hip girdle). Best wishes to all, Tim L. Fagerson, DPT, MS Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Services, Inc. 332 Washington Street, Suite 10 Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 Tel: ; Fax: (781 ) 431-1458 On Tue, 4 Mar 2003 10:17:02 -0000 " Dunn " writes: > > It sounds like everyone here has > > spent a lot of time researching surgeons. Has anyone > > put the same effort into finding their post-op > > therapist? > > > As a BHR double resurfacer (Birmingham Nuffield, 11/99 and 12/00), > I > always find this topic interesting as there seems to be some > disparity > between the PT on this side of the pond and the USA. > > Other than a photocopied sheet of paper with basic exercises > post-op, > and a couple of additional stretching exercises given on my 2 month > check-up. I have not had any PT, nor was it ever suggested I > should! > Admittedly, both my recoveries were relatively easy with no > specific > problems, and I know personally some surface hippies for whom PT > has > been absolutely essential during rehab, but I'd suggest that PT may > not > automatically be necessary for everybody. > > After 2 months I was back doing 15 mile mountain hikes, and am now > more > flexible, stronger and active than for almost 15 years. Could I > have > benefited from PT during my rehab? Or is there any benefit at this > stage?? > > At a slight tangent, a report issued by a professor of psychology > at > Columbia University in New York said counselling of the 9/11 victims > was > an " enormous waste of money " and survivors coped better spending > time > with colleagues, friends and loved ones and getting back on with > their > lives. Apparently, 9,000 therapists offered their services to > relatives and survivors, 3 for each victim! > > An article I read recently quoted research by the UK based Cochrane > organisation which provides worldwide guidance to doctors and > concluded > that psychological counselling as a means of preventing > post-traumatic > stress disorder (PTSD) was at best useless and at worst made people > more > likely to suffer PTSD!! > > We live in a therapy culture (been there, read the book, wear the > t-shirt) and I am beginning to get suspicious about the wide use of > counselling, often by unregulated practitioners, and worry about our > own > expectations that therapy's a cure for all our neuroses. We've been > indoctrinated with too much Ally McBeal! > > > > P.S. My ex-wife reminds me that when she lived in the Ukraine, > she'd > never heard of PMT and now, living in England, she suffers from it! > > (I'm wearing tin hat, waiting to be shot down!.... Oh well, life's > no > fun without taking risks!!) > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2003 Report Share Posted March 4, 2003 Thanks for such a balanced response, Tim. Shame you're so far from me, I could do with as enlightened a PT as you! > Re: rehab? > > > As a Physical Therapist (Physiotherapist) I couldn't resist > not replying to 's comments. Voltaire said that " Time > heals the injury while the doctor keeps the patient amused! " > I keep that in mind in my work as a PT to ensure that I do > more than keeping the patient amused and do more than time > alone! The first rule of medicine " primum non nocere " - > first, do no harm - is embraced by all physicians and rightly > so but this can result in a very conservative approach to > post-op care. Yes, ensure no harm, but then do all the good > you can. Hugh Chandler, MD a great surgeon, now retired, > says in a chapter on post-op rehab in Stillwells text " The > Art of Total Hip Arthroplasty " that the appropriate post-op > rehabilitation program can turn a good result from the > surgery alone into an excellent one. I have learned over the > last 15 years working as a PT that every patient and their > condition is different and a cookie cutter approach doesn't > always work. Alot of people do well after hip replacement or > resurfacing with minimal physical therapy, however, I have > seen soft tissue contractures, muscle imbalances, continued > pain, continued limp, long-standing muscle weakness, > difficulty with basic and more advanced function, from people > not having the appropriate physical therapy from a skilled > clinician who knows about hips. For most hip replacement > recipients, Hippocrates advice, the golden mean: " Moderation > in all things " is good advice but for hip resurfacers who are > typically a younger and more active crowd, " moderation " might > not be in the vocabulary which is all the more reason to hook > up with a good physical therapist to ensure optimal soft > tissue balance. For some people one or two consults might be > all that's needed. Others may need more intensive work. But > yes, to answer the question do search for a good orthopaedic > physical therapist who is good with hips and backs (since the > low back is functionally a part of the hip girdle). Best > wishes to all, Tim > > L. Fagerson, DPT, MS > Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Services, Inc. > 332 Washington Street, Suite 10 > Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 > Tel: ; Fax: (781 ) 431-1458 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2003 Report Share Posted March 4, 2003 Thanks for such a balanced response, Tim. Shame you're so far from me, I could do with as enlightened a PT as you! > Re: rehab? > > > As a Physical Therapist (Physiotherapist) I couldn't resist > not replying to 's comments. Voltaire said that " Time > heals the injury while the doctor keeps the patient amused! " > I keep that in mind in my work as a PT to ensure that I do > more than keeping the patient amused and do more than time > alone! The first rule of medicine " primum non nocere " - > first, do no harm - is embraced by all physicians and rightly > so but this can result in a very conservative approach to > post-op care. Yes, ensure no harm, but then do all the good > you can. Hugh Chandler, MD a great surgeon, now retired, > says in a chapter on post-op rehab in Stillwells text " The > Art of Total Hip Arthroplasty " that the appropriate post-op > rehabilitation program can turn a good result from the > surgery alone into an excellent one. I have learned over the > last 15 years working as a PT that every patient and their > condition is different and a cookie cutter approach doesn't > always work. Alot of people do well after hip replacement or > resurfacing with minimal physical therapy, however, I have > seen soft tissue contractures, muscle imbalances, continued > pain, continued limp, long-standing muscle weakness, > difficulty with basic and more advanced function, from people > not having the appropriate physical therapy from a skilled > clinician who knows about hips. For most hip replacement > recipients, Hippocrates advice, the golden mean: " Moderation > in all things " is good advice but for hip resurfacers who are > typically a younger and more active crowd, " moderation " might > not be in the vocabulary which is all the more reason to hook > up with a good physical therapist to ensure optimal soft > tissue balance. For some people one or two consults might be > all that's needed. Others may need more intensive work. But > yes, to answer the question do search for a good orthopaedic > physical therapist who is good with hips and backs (since the > low back is functionally a part of the hip girdle). Best > wishes to all, Tim > > L. Fagerson, DPT, MS > Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Services, Inc. > 332 Washington Street, Suite 10 > Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 > Tel: ; Fax: (781 ) 431-1458 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2003 Report Share Posted March 4, 2003 Thanks for such a balanced response, Tim. Shame you're so far from me, I could do with as enlightened a PT as you! > Re: rehab? > > > As a Physical Therapist (Physiotherapist) I couldn't resist > not replying to 's comments. Voltaire said that " Time > heals the injury while the doctor keeps the patient amused! " > I keep that in mind in my work as a PT to ensure that I do > more than keeping the patient amused and do more than time > alone! The first rule of medicine " primum non nocere " - > first, do no harm - is embraced by all physicians and rightly > so but this can result in a very conservative approach to > post-op care. Yes, ensure no harm, but then do all the good > you can. Hugh Chandler, MD a great surgeon, now retired, > says in a chapter on post-op rehab in Stillwells text " The > Art of Total Hip Arthroplasty " that the appropriate post-op > rehabilitation program can turn a good result from the > surgery alone into an excellent one. I have learned over the > last 15 years working as a PT that every patient and their > condition is different and a cookie cutter approach doesn't > always work. Alot of people do well after hip replacement or > resurfacing with minimal physical therapy, however, I have > seen soft tissue contractures, muscle imbalances, continued > pain, continued limp, long-standing muscle weakness, > difficulty with basic and more advanced function, from people > not having the appropriate physical therapy from a skilled > clinician who knows about hips. For most hip replacement > recipients, Hippocrates advice, the golden mean: " Moderation > in all things " is good advice but for hip resurfacers who are > typically a younger and more active crowd, " moderation " might > not be in the vocabulary which is all the more reason to hook > up with a good physical therapist to ensure optimal soft > tissue balance. For some people one or two consults might be > all that's needed. Others may need more intensive work. But > yes, to answer the question do search for a good orthopaedic > physical therapist who is good with hips and backs (since the > low back is functionally a part of the hip girdle). Best > wishes to all, Tim > > L. Fagerson, DPT, MS > Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Services, Inc. > 332 Washington Street, Suite 10 > Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 > Tel: ; Fax: (781 ) 431-1458 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2003 Report Share Posted March 4, 2003 Hi, Well I just go and visit a physio once a month and he gets all excited about how well I am doing, takes a video of me walking and tries very hard to think of things that may help my brain remember what walking was like 35 years ago and I go off to do my own thing........... My own thing PT wise is swimming and walking in the pool each day for at least half an hour.......... I do all sorts of little creative things in the pool which I have figured out which seem to help stretch the hip muscles a little further........I always know I have when they go nutty that night so I tend to get worried if I have too many comfortable nights without the hip feeling jumpy........... smile............ I am determined to get to 90 degrees but it is proving to be a hard fought battle with increments almost beyond perception on a weekly basis........... However the shoulder wobble is disappearing so something is working well. I must say thought that reading that some of the rest of you have hard going eases my expectations of myself a little. I do get so much joy out of just being able to walk near normal and sit again that I tend to disregard most of the aches and pains at this point....... I tend to see them more as proof that something is happening finally after all these years and thus am happy........... this is sure to change as time goes on..............smile.......... and I am sure I wouldn't be so happy too if it was interferring with what I wanted to do etc. Edith LBHR Sydney Aust 8/02 Dr. L Walter > > Hi Tobias ... Post-op therapist? What's that :-) In my case it wasn't really needed. I just did the simple exercises prescribes by Dr Gross and walked. Yes - my local OS's staff was also surprised and expressed more interest in the procedure. > tobias wrote:Is the PT program after hip resurfacing surgery the > same as after a THR? It sounds like everyone here has > spent a lot of time researching surgeons. Has anyone > put the same effort into finding their post-op > therapist? Does anyone know if care providers on the > recovery side are aware of any significant differences > in the rehabilitation of a resurfaced hip vs. one > that's been replaced? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2003 Report Share Posted March 4, 2003 donna ive tried and treid to write can not reach you ? letter this am came back mailer demon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2003 Report Share Posted March 4, 2003 donna ive tried and treid to write can not reach you ? letter this am came back mailer demon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2003 Report Share Posted March 4, 2003 donna ive tried and treid to write can not reach you ? letter this am came back mailer demon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2003 Report Share Posted March 4, 2003 Dr. Gross wrote me out a sheet with exercises when I left the hospital. I did them every day. However, with all my muscle atrophy, etc. I just couldn't get stronger (going up the steps was a nightmare, etc.). On my 6-week return visit, I asked him if some PT might be in order. He wrote an order, I took it home to my regular doctor, and she wrote an order for me. I started in PT in Septmeber, 2002 and worked very, very hard for 3 months, until just before Christmas. I got good enough with stairs and weights to find out that my KNEES were now suffering from years of imbalanced walk and atrophy of the muscle around the knee.- So, in January, at my 6- month checkup, Dr. Gross again wrote a PT order (I didn't have to ask this time, he could hear my knees cracking!), and my regular doctor re-wrote it once I got home. Once again, I ended up in PT, for my knees. We started with weights in the pool. Then on to the gym. Lots of weight machines, etc. and this time they added some (still painful) great stretches for my back, legs and knee muscles. I just " graduated " from PT last week, and now am in " post-rehab " where I go to the gym at the rehab center on my own and they sort of monitor me (but don't stand with me the whole time). It costs $15 a month, well worth it, I think. With this more aggressive PT I have really zoomed along, almost all the swelling from my knees is gone, and I have a lot more strength in them. As a matter of fact, I have gotten better enough to pursue one of my old pasttimes - I used to model for a regional store that put on fashion shows all over the tri-cities. Two weeks ago, I got to put on my heels (hooray!) and model for the fundraiser for the American Heart Association! PT is hard, Dr. Gross told me I had a lot of work to do, and that it would take me a year to recover to what I was " before " - I thought he was crazy, I could just bounce back. But, in older folks (like me), it takes longer to rebuild muscles, build bone, and repair all the damage that years of inactivity have heaped upon my body. I am getting there, though!! Martha -- In surfacehippy , " T. Fagerson " <fagerson@j...> wrote: > As a Physical Therapist (Physiotherapist) I couldn't resist not replying > to 's comments. > Voltaire said that " Time heals the injury while the doctor keeps the > patient amused! " I keep that in mind in my work as a PT to ensure that I > do more than keeping the patient amused and do more than time alone! The > first rule of medicine " primum non nocere " - first, do no harm - is > embraced by all physicians and rightly so but this can result in a very > conservative approach to post-op care. Yes, ensure no harm, but then do > all the good you can. Hugh Chandler, MD a great surgeon, now retired, > says in a chapter on post-op rehab in Stillwells text " The Art of Total > Hip Arthroplasty " that the appropriate post-op rehabilitation program can > turn a good result from the surgery alone into an excellent one. I have > learned over the last 15 years working as a PT that every patient and > their condition is different and a cookie cutter approach doesn't always > work. Alot of people do well after hip replacement or resurfacing with > minimal physical therapy, however, I have seen soft tissue contractures, > muscle imbalances, continued pain, continued limp, long-standing muscle > weakness, difficulty with basic and more advanced function, from people > not having the appropriate physical therapy from a skilled clinician who > knows about hips. For most hip replacement recipients, Hippocrates > advice, the golden mean: " Moderation in all things " is good advice but > for hip resurfacers who are typically a younger and more active crowd, > " moderation " might not be in the vocabulary which is all the more reason > to hook up with a good physical therapist to ensure optimal soft tissue > balance. For some people one or two consults might be all that's needed. > Others may need more intensive work. But yes, to answer the question do > search for a good orthopaedic physical therapist who is good with hips > and backs (since the low back is functionally a part of the hip girdle). > Best wishes to all, > Tim > > L. Fagerson, DPT, MS > Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Services, Inc. > 332 Washington Street, Suite 10 > Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 > Tel: ; Fax: (781 ) 431-1458 > > > > On Tue, 4 Mar 2003 10:17:02 -0000 " Dunn " > <ifa@p...> writes: > > > It sounds like everyone here has > > > spent a lot of time researching surgeons. Has anyone > > > put the same effort into finding their post-op > > > therapist? > > > > > > As a BHR double resurfacer (Birmingham Nuffield, 11/99 and 12/00), > > I > > always find this topic interesting as there seems to be some > > disparity > > between the PT on this side of the pond and the USA. > > > > Other than a photocopied sheet of paper with basic exercises > > post-op, > > and a couple of additional stretching exercises given on my 2 month > > check-up. I have not had any PT, nor was it ever suggested I > > should! > > Admittedly, both my recoveries were relatively easy with no > > specific > > problems, and I know personally some surface hippies for whom PT > > has > > been absolutely essential during rehab, but I'd suggest that PT may > > not > > automatically be necessary for everybody. > > > > After 2 months I was back doing 15 mile mountain hikes, and am now > > more > > flexible, stronger and active than for almost 15 years. Could I > > have > > benefited from PT during my rehab? Or is there any benefit at this > > stage?? > > > > At a slight tangent, a report issued by a professor of psychology > > at > > Columbia University in New York said counselling of the 9/11 victims > > was > > an " enormous waste of money " and survivors coped better spending > > time > > with colleagues, friends and loved ones and getting back on with > > their > > lives. Apparently, 9,000 therapists offered their services to > > relatives and survivors, 3 for each victim! > > > > An article I read recently quoted research by the UK based Cochrane > > organisation which provides worldwide guidance to doctors and > > concluded > > that psychological counselling as a means of preventing > > post-traumatic > > stress disorder (PTSD) was at best useless and at worst made people > > more > > likely to suffer PTSD!! > > > > We live in a therapy culture (been there, read the book, wear the > > t-shirt) and I am beginning to get suspicious about the wide use of > > counselling, often by unregulated practitioners, and worry about our > > own > > expectations that therapy's a cure for all our neuroses. We've been > > indoctrinated with too much Ally McBeal! > > > > > > > > P.S. My ex-wife reminds me that when she lived in the Ukraine, > > she'd > > never heard of PMT and now, living in England, she suffers from it! > > > > (I'm wearing tin hat, waiting to be shot down!.... Oh well, life's > > no > > fun without taking risks!!) > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2003 Report Share Posted March 4, 2003 I don't know why that's happening unless my mailbox was full. Try again.... donnakei@... - or call me. Hope all is well. > donna ive tried and treid to write can not reach you ? letter this am came > back mailer demon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2003 Report Share Posted March 4, 2003 I don't know why that's happening unless my mailbox was full. Try again.... donnakei@... - or call me. Hope all is well. > donna ive tried and treid to write can not reach you ? letter this am came > back mailer demon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 5, 2003 Report Share Posted March 5, 2003 Hi If you live in Stoke on Trent PMT is the abbreviation for Potteries Motor Traction. It's the city's bus company. Going back a few years I was with a group of women from the south and they cracked up at seeing hundreds of red buses with PMT emblazoned on them. Rog RE: rehab? > It sounds like everyone here has > spent a lot of time researching surgeons. Has anyone > put the same effort into finding their post-op > therapist? As a BHR double resurfacer (Birmingham Nuffield, 11/99 and 12/00), I always find this topic interesting as there seems to be some disparity between the PT on this side of the pond and the USA. Other than a photocopied sheet of paper with basic exercises post-op, and a couple of additional stretching exercises given on my 2 month check-up. I have not had any PT, nor was it ever suggested I should! Admittedly, both my recoveries were relatively easy with no specific problems, and I know personally some surface hippies for whom PT has been absolutely essential during rehab, but I'd suggest that PT may not automatically be necessary for everybody. After 2 months I was back doing 15 mile mountain hikes, and am now more flexible, stronger and active than for almost 15 years. Could I have benefited from PT during my rehab? Or is there any benefit at this stage?? At a slight tangent, a report issued by a professor of psychology at Columbia University in New York said counselling of the 9/11 victims was an " enormous waste of money " and survivors coped better spending time with colleagues, friends and loved ones and getting back on with their lives. Apparently, 9,000 therapists offered their services to relatives and survivors, 3 for each victim! An article I read recently quoted research by the UK based Cochrane organisation which provides worldwide guidance to doctors and concluded that psychological counselling as a means of preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was at best useless and at worst made people more likely to suffer PTSD!! We live in a therapy culture (been there, read the book, wear the t-shirt) and I am beginning to get suspicious about the wide use of counselling, often by unregulated practitioners, and worry about our own expectations that therapy's a cure for all our neuroses. We've been indoctrinated with too much Ally McBeal! P.S. My ex-wife reminds me that when she lived in the Ukraine, she'd never heard of PMT and now, living in England, she suffers from it! (I'm wearing tin hat, waiting to be shot down!.... Oh well, life's no fun without taking risks!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 5, 2003 Report Share Posted March 5, 2003 Hi If you live in Stoke on Trent PMT is the abbreviation for Potteries Motor Traction. It's the city's bus company. Going back a few years I was with a group of women from the south and they cracked up at seeing hundreds of red buses with PMT emblazoned on them. Rog RE: rehab? > It sounds like everyone here has > spent a lot of time researching surgeons. Has anyone > put the same effort into finding their post-op > therapist? As a BHR double resurfacer (Birmingham Nuffield, 11/99 and 12/00), I always find this topic interesting as there seems to be some disparity between the PT on this side of the pond and the USA. Other than a photocopied sheet of paper with basic exercises post-op, and a couple of additional stretching exercises given on my 2 month check-up. I have not had any PT, nor was it ever suggested I should! Admittedly, both my recoveries were relatively easy with no specific problems, and I know personally some surface hippies for whom PT has been absolutely essential during rehab, but I'd suggest that PT may not automatically be necessary for everybody. After 2 months I was back doing 15 mile mountain hikes, and am now more flexible, stronger and active than for almost 15 years. Could I have benefited from PT during my rehab? Or is there any benefit at this stage?? At a slight tangent, a report issued by a professor of psychology at Columbia University in New York said counselling of the 9/11 victims was an " enormous waste of money " and survivors coped better spending time with colleagues, friends and loved ones and getting back on with their lives. Apparently, 9,000 therapists offered their services to relatives and survivors, 3 for each victim! An article I read recently quoted research by the UK based Cochrane organisation which provides worldwide guidance to doctors and concluded that psychological counselling as a means of preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was at best useless and at worst made people more likely to suffer PTSD!! We live in a therapy culture (been there, read the book, wear the t-shirt) and I am beginning to get suspicious about the wide use of counselling, often by unregulated practitioners, and worry about our own expectations that therapy's a cure for all our neuroses. We've been indoctrinated with too much Ally McBeal! P.S. My ex-wife reminds me that when she lived in the Ukraine, she'd never heard of PMT and now, living in England, she suffers from it! (I'm wearing tin hat, waiting to be shot down!.... Oh well, life's no fun without taking risks!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 5, 2003 Report Share Posted March 5, 2003 Hi If you live in Stoke on Trent PMT is the abbreviation for Potteries Motor Traction. It's the city's bus company. Going back a few years I was with a group of women from the south and they cracked up at seeing hundreds of red buses with PMT emblazoned on them. Rog RE: rehab? > It sounds like everyone here has > spent a lot of time researching surgeons. Has anyone > put the same effort into finding their post-op > therapist? As a BHR double resurfacer (Birmingham Nuffield, 11/99 and 12/00), I always find this topic interesting as there seems to be some disparity between the PT on this side of the pond and the USA. Other than a photocopied sheet of paper with basic exercises post-op, and a couple of additional stretching exercises given on my 2 month check-up. I have not had any PT, nor was it ever suggested I should! Admittedly, both my recoveries were relatively easy with no specific problems, and I know personally some surface hippies for whom PT has been absolutely essential during rehab, but I'd suggest that PT may not automatically be necessary for everybody. After 2 months I was back doing 15 mile mountain hikes, and am now more flexible, stronger and active than for almost 15 years. Could I have benefited from PT during my rehab? Or is there any benefit at this stage?? At a slight tangent, a report issued by a professor of psychology at Columbia University in New York said counselling of the 9/11 victims was an " enormous waste of money " and survivors coped better spending time with colleagues, friends and loved ones and getting back on with their lives. Apparently, 9,000 therapists offered their services to relatives and survivors, 3 for each victim! An article I read recently quoted research by the UK based Cochrane organisation which provides worldwide guidance to doctors and concluded that psychological counselling as a means of preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was at best useless and at worst made people more likely to suffer PTSD!! We live in a therapy culture (been there, read the book, wear the t-shirt) and I am beginning to get suspicious about the wide use of counselling, often by unregulated practitioners, and worry about our own expectations that therapy's a cure for all our neuroses. We've been indoctrinated with too much Ally McBeal! P.S. My ex-wife reminds me that when she lived in the Ukraine, she'd never heard of PMT and now, living in England, she suffers from it! (I'm wearing tin hat, waiting to be shot down!.... Oh well, life's no fun without taking risks!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2003 Report Share Posted March 7, 2003 Hi Martha You sound a lot like me with the need for long term muscle build up etc. I was so delighted today..... I managed to walk up the steps out of the pool normally on both legs without desparately clinging onto the rails. That has taken 2 months of swimming daily......smile........ but gee did it feel nice...... Edith > Dr. Gross wrote me out a sheet with exercises when I left the > hospital. I did them every day. However, with all my muscle > atrophy, etc. I just couldn't get stronger (going up the steps was a > nightmare, etc.). On my 6-week return visit, I asked him if some PT > might be in order. He wrote an order, I took it home to my regular > doctor, and she wrote an order for me. I started in PT in Septmeber, > 2002 and worked very, very hard for 3 months, until just before > Christmas. I got good enough with stairs and weights to find out > that my KNEES were now suffering from years of imbalanced walk and > atrophy of the muscle around the knee.- > > So, in January, at my 6- month checkup, Dr. Gross again wrote a PT > order (I didn't have to ask this time, he could hear my knees > cracking!), and my regular doctor re-wrote it once I got home. Once > again, I ended up in PT, for my knees. We started with weights in > the pool. Then on to the gym. Lots of weight machines, etc. and > this time they added some (still painful) great stretches for my > back, legs and knee muscles. > > I just " graduated " from PT last week, and now am in " post-rehab " > where I go to the gym at the rehab center on my own and they sort of > monitor me (but don't stand with me the whole time). It costs $15 a > month, well worth it, I think. > > With this more aggressive PT I have really zoomed along, almost all > the swelling from my knees is gone, and I have a lot more strength in > them. As a matter of fact, I have gotten better enough to pursue one > of my old pasttimes - I used to model for a regional store that put > on fashion shows all over the tri-cities. Two weeks ago, I got to > put on my heels (hooray!) and model for the fundraiser for the > American Heart Association! > > PT is hard, Dr. Gross told me I had a lot of work to do, and that it > would take me a year to recover to what I was " before " - I thought he > was crazy, I could just bounce back. But, in older folks (like me), > it takes longer to rebuild muscles, build bone, and repair all the > damage that years of inactivity have heaped upon my body. I am > getting there, though!! > > Martha > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2003 Report Share Posted March 7, 2003 Hi Martha You sound a lot like me with the need for long term muscle build up etc. I was so delighted today..... I managed to walk up the steps out of the pool normally on both legs without desparately clinging onto the rails. That has taken 2 months of swimming daily......smile........ but gee did it feel nice...... Edith > Dr. Gross wrote me out a sheet with exercises when I left the > hospital. I did them every day. However, with all my muscle > atrophy, etc. I just couldn't get stronger (going up the steps was a > nightmare, etc.). On my 6-week return visit, I asked him if some PT > might be in order. He wrote an order, I took it home to my regular > doctor, and she wrote an order for me. I started in PT in Septmeber, > 2002 and worked very, very hard for 3 months, until just before > Christmas. I got good enough with stairs and weights to find out > that my KNEES were now suffering from years of imbalanced walk and > atrophy of the muscle around the knee.- > > So, in January, at my 6- month checkup, Dr. Gross again wrote a PT > order (I didn't have to ask this time, he could hear my knees > cracking!), and my regular doctor re-wrote it once I got home. Once > again, I ended up in PT, for my knees. We started with weights in > the pool. Then on to the gym. Lots of weight machines, etc. and > this time they added some (still painful) great stretches for my > back, legs and knee muscles. > > I just " graduated " from PT last week, and now am in " post-rehab " > where I go to the gym at the rehab center on my own and they sort of > monitor me (but don't stand with me the whole time). It costs $15 a > month, well worth it, I think. > > With this more aggressive PT I have really zoomed along, almost all > the swelling from my knees is gone, and I have a lot more strength in > them. As a matter of fact, I have gotten better enough to pursue one > of my old pasttimes - I used to model for a regional store that put > on fashion shows all over the tri-cities. Two weeks ago, I got to > put on my heels (hooray!) and model for the fundraiser for the > American Heart Association! > > PT is hard, Dr. Gross told me I had a lot of work to do, and that it > would take me a year to recover to what I was " before " - I thought he > was crazy, I could just bounce back. But, in older folks (like me), > it takes longer to rebuild muscles, build bone, and repair all the > damage that years of inactivity have heaped upon my body. I am > getting there, though!! > > Martha > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2003 Report Share Posted March 7, 2003 Hi Martha You sound a lot like me with the need for long term muscle build up etc. I was so delighted today..... I managed to walk up the steps out of the pool normally on both legs without desparately clinging onto the rails. That has taken 2 months of swimming daily......smile........ but gee did it feel nice...... Edith > Dr. Gross wrote me out a sheet with exercises when I left the > hospital. I did them every day. However, with all my muscle > atrophy, etc. I just couldn't get stronger (going up the steps was a > nightmare, etc.). On my 6-week return visit, I asked him if some PT > might be in order. He wrote an order, I took it home to my regular > doctor, and she wrote an order for me. I started in PT in Septmeber, > 2002 and worked very, very hard for 3 months, until just before > Christmas. I got good enough with stairs and weights to find out > that my KNEES were now suffering from years of imbalanced walk and > atrophy of the muscle around the knee.- > > So, in January, at my 6- month checkup, Dr. Gross again wrote a PT > order (I didn't have to ask this time, he could hear my knees > cracking!), and my regular doctor re-wrote it once I got home. Once > again, I ended up in PT, for my knees. We started with weights in > the pool. Then on to the gym. Lots of weight machines, etc. and > this time they added some (still painful) great stretches for my > back, legs and knee muscles. > > I just " graduated " from PT last week, and now am in " post-rehab " > where I go to the gym at the rehab center on my own and they sort of > monitor me (but don't stand with me the whole time). It costs $15 a > month, well worth it, I think. > > With this more aggressive PT I have really zoomed along, almost all > the swelling from my knees is gone, and I have a lot more strength in > them. As a matter of fact, I have gotten better enough to pursue one > of my old pasttimes - I used to model for a regional store that put > on fashion shows all over the tri-cities. Two weeks ago, I got to > put on my heels (hooray!) and model for the fundraiser for the > American Heart Association! > > PT is hard, Dr. Gross told me I had a lot of work to do, and that it > would take me a year to recover to what I was " before " - I thought he > was crazy, I could just bounce back. But, in older folks (like me), > it takes longer to rebuild muscles, build bone, and repair all the > damage that years of inactivity have heaped upon my body. I am > getting there, though!! > > Martha > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2003 Report Share Posted March 8, 2003 Hi Edith! Congratulations on the " big step " (in more ways than one) I think being able to start off on the operated leg UP the steps, without lurching and without great pain has been one of the happiest moments of my recovery. I celebrate with you - it takes a lot of strength that we (in our old life pre-resurf) took for granted. Happy stepping! Martha > Hi Martha > > You sound a lot like me with the need for long term muscle build up etc. I > was so delighted today..... I managed to walk up the steps out of the pool > normally on both legs without desparately clinging onto the rails. That has > taken 2 months of swimming daily......smile........ but gee did it feel > nice...... > > Edith > > > Dr. Gross wrote me out a sheet with exercises when I left the > > hospital. I did them every day. However, with all my muscle > > atrophy, etc. I just couldn't get stronger (going up the steps was a > > nightmare, etc.). On my 6-week return visit, I asked him if some PT > > might be in order. He wrote an order, I took it home to my regular > > doctor, and she wrote an order for me. I started in PT in Septmeber, > > 2002 and worked very, very hard for 3 months, until just before > > Christmas. I got good enough with stairs and weights to find out > > that my KNEES were now suffering from years of imbalanced walk and > > atrophy of the muscle around the knee.- > > > > So, in January, at my 6- month checkup, Dr. Gross again wrote a PT > > order (I didn't have to ask this time, he could hear my knees > > cracking!), and my regular doctor re-wrote it once I got home. Once > > again, I ended up in PT, for my knees. We started with weights in > > the pool. Then on to the gym. Lots of weight machines, etc. and > > this time they added some (still painful) great stretches for my > > back, legs and knee muscles. > > > > I just " graduated " from PT last week, and now am in " post-rehab " > > where I go to the gym at the rehab center on my own and they sort of > > monitor me (but don't stand with me the whole time). It costs $15 a > > month, well worth it, I think. > > > > With this more aggressive PT I have really zoomed along, almost all > > the swelling from my knees is gone, and I have a lot more strength in > > them. As a matter of fact, I have gotten better enough to pursue one > > of my old pasttimes - I used to model for a regional store that put > > on fashion shows all over the tri-cities. Two weeks ago, I got to > > put on my heels (hooray!) and model for the fundraiser for the > > American Heart Association! > > > > PT is hard, Dr. Gross told me I had a lot of work to do, and that it > > would take me a year to recover to what I was " before " - I thought he > > was crazy, I could just bounce back. But, in older folks (like me), > > it takes longer to rebuild muscles, build bone, and repair all the > > damage that years of inactivity have heaped upon my body. I am > > getting there, though!! > > > > Martha > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2003 Report Share Posted March 8, 2003 Hi Edith! Congratulations on the " big step " (in more ways than one) I think being able to start off on the operated leg UP the steps, without lurching and without great pain has been one of the happiest moments of my recovery. I celebrate with you - it takes a lot of strength that we (in our old life pre-resurf) took for granted. Happy stepping! Martha > Hi Martha > > You sound a lot like me with the need for long term muscle build up etc. I > was so delighted today..... I managed to walk up the steps out of the pool > normally on both legs without desparately clinging onto the rails. That has > taken 2 months of swimming daily......smile........ but gee did it feel > nice...... > > Edith > > > Dr. Gross wrote me out a sheet with exercises when I left the > > hospital. I did them every day. However, with all my muscle > > atrophy, etc. I just couldn't get stronger (going up the steps was a > > nightmare, etc.). On my 6-week return visit, I asked him if some PT > > might be in order. He wrote an order, I took it home to my regular > > doctor, and she wrote an order for me. I started in PT in Septmeber, > > 2002 and worked very, very hard for 3 months, until just before > > Christmas. I got good enough with stairs and weights to find out > > that my KNEES were now suffering from years of imbalanced walk and > > atrophy of the muscle around the knee.- > > > > So, in January, at my 6- month checkup, Dr. Gross again wrote a PT > > order (I didn't have to ask this time, he could hear my knees > > cracking!), and my regular doctor re-wrote it once I got home. Once > > again, I ended up in PT, for my knees. We started with weights in > > the pool. Then on to the gym. Lots of weight machines, etc. and > > this time they added some (still painful) great stretches for my > > back, legs and knee muscles. > > > > I just " graduated " from PT last week, and now am in " post-rehab " > > where I go to the gym at the rehab center on my own and they sort of > > monitor me (but don't stand with me the whole time). It costs $15 a > > month, well worth it, I think. > > > > With this more aggressive PT I have really zoomed along, almost all > > the swelling from my knees is gone, and I have a lot more strength in > > them. As a matter of fact, I have gotten better enough to pursue one > > of my old pasttimes - I used to model for a regional store that put > > on fashion shows all over the tri-cities. Two weeks ago, I got to > > put on my heels (hooray!) and model for the fundraiser for the > > American Heart Association! > > > > PT is hard, Dr. Gross told me I had a lot of work to do, and that it > > would take me a year to recover to what I was " before " - I thought he > > was crazy, I could just bounce back. But, in older folks (like me), > > it takes longer to rebuild muscles, build bone, and repair all the > > damage that years of inactivity have heaped upon my body. I am > > getting there, though!! > > > > Martha > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2003 Report Share Posted March 8, 2003 Hi Edith! Congratulations on the " big step " (in more ways than one) I think being able to start off on the operated leg UP the steps, without lurching and without great pain has been one of the happiest moments of my recovery. I celebrate with you - it takes a lot of strength that we (in our old life pre-resurf) took for granted. Happy stepping! Martha > Hi Martha > > You sound a lot like me with the need for long term muscle build up etc. I > was so delighted today..... I managed to walk up the steps out of the pool > normally on both legs without desparately clinging onto the rails. That has > taken 2 months of swimming daily......smile........ but gee did it feel > nice...... > > Edith > > > Dr. Gross wrote me out a sheet with exercises when I left the > > hospital. I did them every day. However, with all my muscle > > atrophy, etc. I just couldn't get stronger (going up the steps was a > > nightmare, etc.). On my 6-week return visit, I asked him if some PT > > might be in order. He wrote an order, I took it home to my regular > > doctor, and she wrote an order for me. I started in PT in Septmeber, > > 2002 and worked very, very hard for 3 months, until just before > > Christmas. I got good enough with stairs and weights to find out > > that my KNEES were now suffering from years of imbalanced walk and > > atrophy of the muscle around the knee.- > > > > So, in January, at my 6- month checkup, Dr. Gross again wrote a PT > > order (I didn't have to ask this time, he could hear my knees > > cracking!), and my regular doctor re-wrote it once I got home. Once > > again, I ended up in PT, for my knees. We started with weights in > > the pool. Then on to the gym. Lots of weight machines, etc. and > > this time they added some (still painful) great stretches for my > > back, legs and knee muscles. > > > > I just " graduated " from PT last week, and now am in " post-rehab " > > where I go to the gym at the rehab center on my own and they sort of > > monitor me (but don't stand with me the whole time). It costs $15 a > > month, well worth it, I think. > > > > With this more aggressive PT I have really zoomed along, almost all > > the swelling from my knees is gone, and I have a lot more strength in > > them. As a matter of fact, I have gotten better enough to pursue one > > of my old pasttimes - I used to model for a regional store that put > > on fashion shows all over the tri-cities. Two weeks ago, I got to > > put on my heels (hooray!) and model for the fundraiser for the > > American Heart Association! > > > > PT is hard, Dr. Gross told me I had a lot of work to do, and that it > > would take me a year to recover to what I was " before " - I thought he > > was crazy, I could just bounce back. But, in older folks (like me), > > it takes longer to rebuild muscles, build bone, and repair all the > > damage that years of inactivity have heaped upon my body. I am > > getting there, though!! > > > > Martha > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2003 Report Share Posted March 8, 2003 Martha and Edith, Wow, I can chime in on this one! Martha, you are the first person who has mentioned cracking in the knees in all the reading I have done on rehab. That's what I have and it sure is nice to hear that I'm not alone. Also is shows that I need to build up the muscles there too. Unfortunately, my PT sucked. They knew about my knees and did nothing nor did they inform me that I could be helped. I got standard " old people, THR rehab " . Now I'm in a new year with insurance and they won't pay anyway for PT. So I'll be doing this on my own. The knees are now my trouble and interfering with rehabbing the hips. What kind of schedule did you follow? I don't want to be too aggressive cuz I'm known for that. I would much appreciate ANY info you can give. Trudy Cormet bilat 1/02 > Hi Martha > > You sound a lot like me with the need for long term muscle build up etc. I > was so delighted today..... I managed to walk up the steps out of the pool > normally on both legs without desparately clinging onto the rails. That has > taken 2 months of swimming daily......smile........ but gee did it feel > nice...... > > Edith > > > Dr. Gross wrote me out a sheet with exercises when I left the > > hospital. I did them every day. However, with all my muscle > > atrophy, etc. I just couldn't get stronger (going up the steps was a > > nightmare, etc.). On my 6-week return visit, I asked him if some PT > > might be in order. He wrote an order, I took it home to my regular > > doctor, and she wrote an order for me. I started in PT in Septmeber, > > 2002 and worked very, very hard for 3 months, until just before > > Christmas. I got good enough with stairs and weights to find out > > that my KNEES were now suffering from years of imbalanced walk and > > atrophy of the muscle around the knee.- > > > > So, in January, at my 6- month checkup, Dr. Gross again wrote a PT > > order (I didn't have to ask this time, he could hear my knees > > cracking!), and my regular doctor re-wrote it once I got home. Once > > again, I ended up in PT, for my knees. We started with weights in > > the pool. Then on to the gym. Lots of weight machines, etc. and > > this time they added some (still painful) great stretches for my > > back, legs and knee muscles. > > > > I just " graduated " from PT last week, and now am in " post-rehab " > > where I go to the gym at the rehab center on my own and they sort of > > monitor me (but don't stand with me the whole time). It costs $15 a > > month, well worth it, I think. > > > > With this more aggressive PT I have really zoomed along, almost all > > the swelling from my knees is gone, and I have a lot more strength in > > them. As a matter of fact, I have gotten better enough to pursue one > > of my old pasttimes - I used to model for a regional store that put > > on fashion shows all over the tri-cities. Two weeks ago, I got to > > put on my heels (hooray!) and model for the fundraiser for the > > American Heart Association! > > > > PT is hard, Dr. Gross told me I had a lot of work to do, and that it > > would take me a year to recover to what I was " before " - I thought he > > was crazy, I could just bounce back. But, in older folks (like me), > > it takes longer to rebuild muscles, build bone, and repair all the > > damage that years of inactivity have heaped upon my body. I am > > getting there, though!! > > > > Martha > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2003 Report Share Posted March 8, 2003 Martha and Edith, Wow, I can chime in on this one! Martha, you are the first person who has mentioned cracking in the knees in all the reading I have done on rehab. That's what I have and it sure is nice to hear that I'm not alone. Also is shows that I need to build up the muscles there too. Unfortunately, my PT sucked. They knew about my knees and did nothing nor did they inform me that I could be helped. I got standard " old people, THR rehab " . Now I'm in a new year with insurance and they won't pay anyway for PT. So I'll be doing this on my own. The knees are now my trouble and interfering with rehabbing the hips. What kind of schedule did you follow? I don't want to be too aggressive cuz I'm known for that. I would much appreciate ANY info you can give. Trudy Cormet bilat 1/02 > Hi Martha > > You sound a lot like me with the need for long term muscle build up etc. I > was so delighted today..... I managed to walk up the steps out of the pool > normally on both legs without desparately clinging onto the rails. That has > taken 2 months of swimming daily......smile........ but gee did it feel > nice...... > > Edith > > > Dr. Gross wrote me out a sheet with exercises when I left the > > hospital. I did them every day. However, with all my muscle > > atrophy, etc. I just couldn't get stronger (going up the steps was a > > nightmare, etc.). On my 6-week return visit, I asked him if some PT > > might be in order. He wrote an order, I took it home to my regular > > doctor, and she wrote an order for me. I started in PT in Septmeber, > > 2002 and worked very, very hard for 3 months, until just before > > Christmas. I got good enough with stairs and weights to find out > > that my KNEES were now suffering from years of imbalanced walk and > > atrophy of the muscle around the knee.- > > > > So, in January, at my 6- month checkup, Dr. Gross again wrote a PT > > order (I didn't have to ask this time, he could hear my knees > > cracking!), and my regular doctor re-wrote it once I got home. Once > > again, I ended up in PT, for my knees. We started with weights in > > the pool. Then on to the gym. Lots of weight machines, etc. and > > this time they added some (still painful) great stretches for my > > back, legs and knee muscles. > > > > I just " graduated " from PT last week, and now am in " post-rehab " > > where I go to the gym at the rehab center on my own and they sort of > > monitor me (but don't stand with me the whole time). It costs $15 a > > month, well worth it, I think. > > > > With this more aggressive PT I have really zoomed along, almost all > > the swelling from my knees is gone, and I have a lot more strength in > > them. As a matter of fact, I have gotten better enough to pursue one > > of my old pasttimes - I used to model for a regional store that put > > on fashion shows all over the tri-cities. Two weeks ago, I got to > > put on my heels (hooray!) and model for the fundraiser for the > > American Heart Association! > > > > PT is hard, Dr. Gross told me I had a lot of work to do, and that it > > would take me a year to recover to what I was " before " - I thought he > > was crazy, I could just bounce back. But, in older folks (like me), > > it takes longer to rebuild muscles, build bone, and repair all the > > damage that years of inactivity have heaped upon my body. I am > > getting there, though!! > > > > Martha > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2003 Report Share Posted March 8, 2003 Martha and Edith, Wow, I can chime in on this one! Martha, you are the first person who has mentioned cracking in the knees in all the reading I have done on rehab. That's what I have and it sure is nice to hear that I'm not alone. Also is shows that I need to build up the muscles there too. Unfortunately, my PT sucked. They knew about my knees and did nothing nor did they inform me that I could be helped. I got standard " old people, THR rehab " . Now I'm in a new year with insurance and they won't pay anyway for PT. So I'll be doing this on my own. The knees are now my trouble and interfering with rehabbing the hips. What kind of schedule did you follow? I don't want to be too aggressive cuz I'm known for that. I would much appreciate ANY info you can give. Trudy Cormet bilat 1/02 > Hi Martha > > You sound a lot like me with the need for long term muscle build up etc. I > was so delighted today..... I managed to walk up the steps out of the pool > normally on both legs without desparately clinging onto the rails. That has > taken 2 months of swimming daily......smile........ but gee did it feel > nice...... > > Edith > > > Dr. Gross wrote me out a sheet with exercises when I left the > > hospital. I did them every day. However, with all my muscle > > atrophy, etc. I just couldn't get stronger (going up the steps was a > > nightmare, etc.). On my 6-week return visit, I asked him if some PT > > might be in order. He wrote an order, I took it home to my regular > > doctor, and she wrote an order for me. I started in PT in Septmeber, > > 2002 and worked very, very hard for 3 months, until just before > > Christmas. I got good enough with stairs and weights to find out > > that my KNEES were now suffering from years of imbalanced walk and > > atrophy of the muscle around the knee.- > > > > So, in January, at my 6- month checkup, Dr. Gross again wrote a PT > > order (I didn't have to ask this time, he could hear my knees > > cracking!), and my regular doctor re-wrote it once I got home. Once > > again, I ended up in PT, for my knees. We started with weights in > > the pool. Then on to the gym. Lots of weight machines, etc. and > > this time they added some (still painful) great stretches for my > > back, legs and knee muscles. > > > > I just " graduated " from PT last week, and now am in " post-rehab " > > where I go to the gym at the rehab center on my own and they sort of > > monitor me (but don't stand with me the whole time). It costs $15 a > > month, well worth it, I think. > > > > With this more aggressive PT I have really zoomed along, almost all > > the swelling from my knees is gone, and I have a lot more strength in > > them. As a matter of fact, I have gotten better enough to pursue one > > of my old pasttimes - I used to model for a regional store that put > > on fashion shows all over the tri-cities. Two weeks ago, I got to > > put on my heels (hooray!) and model for the fundraiser for the > > American Heart Association! > > > > PT is hard, Dr. Gross told me I had a lot of work to do, and that it > > would take me a year to recover to what I was " before " - I thought he > > was crazy, I could just bounce back. But, in older folks (like me), > > it takes longer to rebuild muscles, build bone, and repair all the > > damage that years of inactivity have heaped upon my body. I am > > getting there, though!! > > > > Martha > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2003 Report Share Posted March 9, 2003 Hi Trudy, My knee was less than happy too - it was one of the pressing reasons I needed to get something done about the fused hip. I have found my swimming has helped it greatly. Initially it objected for the first half length of the swim but it no longer does that and I noticed this morning when I accidently misplaced weight on it that it only briefly hurt and quickly recovered. In the past it would have been agony in the same situation and given me grief for more than a moment. I only actually swim 2 lengths but then do about 30 mins of walking and swinging the leg through water straight, bent and anything I can think of for variety. I think this has strengthened the knee area heaps. I like the pool work as it doesn't place the weight stress on joints and has seemed to let me strengthen weak areas without stressing the joints themselves. This type of exercise could be done in any pool of water to waist level and now you all have spring excuses for getting into water must be disappearing...........smile Edith LBHR Sydney Aust Dr. Walter Aug 02 > Martha and Edith, > Wow, I can chime in on this one! Martha, you are the first person > who has mentioned cracking in the knees in all the reading I have > done on rehab. That's what I have and it sure is nice to hear that > I'm not alone. Also is shows that I need to build up the muscles > there too. Unfortunately, my PT sucked. They knew about my knees > and did nothing nor did they inform me that I could be helped. I got > standard " old people, THR rehab " . Now I'm in a new year with > insurance and they won't pay anyway for PT. So I'll be doing this on > my own. The knees are now my trouble and interfering with rehabbing > the hips. What kind of schedule did you follow? I don't want to be > too aggressive cuz I'm known for that. I would much appreciate > ANY info you can give. > Trudy > Cormet bilat 1/02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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